Portable backrest device

ABSTRACT

A portable backrest device used by a hunter for outdoor activities comprises a flat backing plate fabricated out of a rigid material and being of a generally inverted U-shaped configuration having a domed top edge, a straight bottom edge wider than the domed top edge and a pair of integrated flat short legs. Each integrated flat short leg extends downwardly from a corner of the straight bottom edge of the flat backing plate. A padded cushion is secured to the flat backing plate. When the flat short legs make contact with the ground, the flat short legs will stabilize the flat backing plate with the padded cushion when placed against an object on the ground, thereby allowing the hunter to sit comfortably on the ground against the padded cushion. A cutout handle is utilized for easy transportation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/172,757, filed on Apr. 26, 2009, in the United States Patent & Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a back support, and more particularly, a portable backrest device.

The portable backrest device provides hunters with cushioning and support while leaning against an object when hunting from the ground. The present invention can alleviate pain that a hunter may feel when partially reclining against a tree, rock or fence when hunting game. The portable backrest device is ideal for any outdoorsmen that may be leaning against an object for an extended period of time when stalking game.

2. Description of the Prior Art

When hunting game, the hunter may lean on trees and other items while waiting for prey from the ground. Some hunters may lean or rest against an item for an extended period of time, which may lead to pain in the back. The hunter when continuously moving around to be comfortable or to stretch the body can easily startle nearby animals. Having a simple way to remain content and pain free while leaning against an object in the woods may assist hunters in staying still for a more elongated period of time, while hunting from the ground.

Numerous innovations for hunting equipment have been provided in the prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention.

A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,602, Issued on Dec. 2, 1980, to Leggett teaches an apparatus attachable to a vertically extending object and having a stand and seat for providing support. Means are provided for adjusting the pitch of the seat. Cables connected to the frame and the stand support much of the weight on the stand in order to provide stability. Both the seat and stand pivot so as to form a compact package for storage and portage. Means are provided for maintaining the apparatus noiseless both when the apparatus is flexed and when the seat and stand are pivoted. Other embodiments include only the seat and only the stand.

A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2006/0054397, Published on Mar. 16, 2006, to Pringnitz teaches a tree stand for hunting that includes a frame constructed to stably engage a tree trunk in an elevated position, a seat pivoted to the frame, and a back support pivotally supported by a link mechanism to a telescoping upright of the frame above the seat. Vertical and angular adjustment of the back support allows the hunter to adjust the back support for optimal ergonomic lumbar support and for user preference. Further, the back support and seat can be pivotally adjusted to provide a partial-standing perched position for the hunter. Also, the tree stand can be folded flat for storage and transport.

A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,050, Issued on Aug. 15, 2006, to Hedgepeth teaches a mobile stand that can be suspended in a tree from an overhead location and thereafter be safely, quietly, and easily maneuvered by a seated occupant facing the tree into any position about the tree's circumference. The occupant can shoot in any direction without standing and also use the tree as a gun rest for a shot in any direction. The mobile nature of the stand provides hunters with the option of using a gun support lanyard attached to the upper part of its closed tubular frame or suspending cable which allows the lanyard to move with the hunter. The stand can also be used for ground level hunting, as well as indoor and outdoor recreational use by adults and children. One embodiment includes a back support that reclines into various postures, including a substantially horizontally-extending position. As an option, it can be readily disassembled for compact transport and storage.

A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2006/0261103, Published on Nov. 23, 2006, to Strange teaches a combination folding chair and stool that folds down into a backpack frame with attachable shoulder straps and tote bag. A rear extension of the seat is braced against a tree and the backrest leans against the tree in the chair configuration. The backrest pivots down to form rear legs in a free-standing stool configuration.

A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2007/0012734, Published on Jan. 18, 2007, to Lee et al. teaches a foldable chair that includes shoulder straps for transporting the chair, pockets of various sizes and shapes for storage of hunting gear and a thick seat cushion for improved comfort. The seat cushion is made of thick, dense foam for improved comfort and includes a strap on the bottom edge to attach the seat cushion to the backpack when the cushion is not being used as a seat. The present invention further includes a pivotable frame capable of forming an angled structure when self-support is desired and capable of pivoting into a flat frame for resting against a tree or other vertical support when desired. The invention also includes a cover, mesh or otherwise, surrounding the frame that acts as a back support, while the chair is in-use.

A SIXTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,683, Issued on Jul. 24, 2007, to Pringnitz teaches a tree stand for hunting which includes a frame constructed to stably engage a tree trunk in an elevated position, a seat pivoted to the frame, and a back support pivotally supported by a link mechanism to a telescoping upright of the frame above the seat. Vertical and angular adjustment of the back support allows the hunter to adjust the back support for optimal ergonomic lumbar support and for user preference. Further, the back support and seat can be pivotally adjusted to provide a partial-standing perched position for the hunter. Also, the tree stand can be folded flat for storage and transport.

A SEVENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2008/0169156, Published on Jul. 17, 2008, to Leishman et al. teaches a tree stand that attaches to a tree trunk for a hunter to sit in. The tree stand includes a seat structure shaped to provide support for a user. The seat structure has a frame. An attachment device is configured to anchor to the tree trunk and to support the weight of a user positioned in the tree stand. A first pivot structure is attached between the seat structure and the attachment device. The first pivot structure is connected to the frame and cantilevered out from the first pivot structure. The first pivot structure has a first axis about which the seat structure rotates thru a first range of motion. The first range of motion is a side to side movement around the tree trunk.

AN EIGHTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2009/0015040, Published on Jan. 15, 2009, to Redmann teaches a chair designed for outdoor use, in particular various hunting applications. The chair is independently adjustable in the seat platform, the legs and the seatback to meet the different requirements for hunting various types of game, such as reclining for fowl flying above, or upright for land animals. It is also mounted on a swivel for quickly pivoting to follow the movement of game. The invention can be used in conjunction with blinds, or can include a pop up tarp for partially concealing the hunter. The seat is not just useful for hunters, but other outdoor enthusiasts that want to view wildlife easily and in comfort.

A NINTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2010/0019550, Published on Jan. 28, 2010, to Cook et al. teaches an adjustable hunter seat which includes independently pivotal back and seat frame members joined to a rotatable connecting member. The rotatable connecting member is supported by a stabilizing truss style base, the base being in contact with the ground when the seat is in use. A unitary padded back and seat cushion is removably disposed over the frame members. A headrest support member extends from the back frame, a headrest being attached to an end of the headrest support member. An adjustable shooting support arm extends from the seat frame. A user can swivel 360 degrees in the seat, while maintaining a substantially fixed posture. When not in use, the entire assembly is foldable into a backpack configuration.

A TENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No. 2010/0045078, Published on Feb. 25, 2010, to Lee et al. teaches a portable seating device is disclosed that has a seat with one or more internal storage compartments. The seat includes an upper seat section that may be pivoted away from a platform to access one or more storage compartments on a lower surface of the upper seat section and to access one or more storage compartments on an upper surface of the platform. The platform is rotatably interconnected with a base. A backrest assembly is appropriately interconnected with the seat, and a stand is detachably interconnected with the base to accommodate multiple configurations for the portable seating device. Preferably, the backrest assembly is movable between stowed and deployed positions, and includes one or more adjustment features when in its deployed position.

It is apparent now that numerous innovations for hunting equipment have been provided in the prior art that are adequate for various purposes. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, accordingly, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a portable backrest device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a portable backrest device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a portable backrest device that is simple to use.

BRIEFLY STATED, STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a portable backrest device used by a hunter for outdoor activities, comprising a flat backing plate fabricated out of a rigid material and being of a generally inverted U-shaped configuration having a domed top edge, a straight bottom edge wider than the domed top edge and a pair of flat short legs. Each flat short leg extends downwardly from a corner of the straight bottom edge of the flat backing plate. A padded cushion is secured to the flat backing plate. When the flat short legs make contact with the ground, the flat short legs will stabilize the flat backing plate with the padded cushion when placed against an object on the ground, thereby allowing the hunter to sit comfortably on the ground against the padded cushion.

The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The figures of the drawings are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention in use;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention per se, taken in the direction of arrow 2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing the present invention being transported by a hunter;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the inverted V-shaped stand in an open position; and

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 2, showing the padded seat member pivoted down.

REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING

-   110 portable backrest device -   112 hunter -   114 flat backing plate of device 110 -   115 rigid material of plate 114 -   116 domed top edge of plate 114 -   118 straight bottom edge of plate 114 -   120 integrated flat short leg of plate 114 -   122 padded cushion of device 110 -   124 ground -   126 object -   128 plastic for rigid material 115 -   130 cloth covering of cushion 122 -   132 cutout handle of device 110 -   134 optional pocket in cushion 122 -   135 tree for object 126 -   136 optional inverted V-shaped stand of device 110 -   138 padded seat member of device 110 -   139 digital imprint camouflaged fashion on cloth 130 -   140 cloth covering of seat member 138

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The present invention is a portable backrest device 110 used by a hunter 112 for outdoor activities which comprises a flat backing plate 114 fabricated out of a rigid material 115 and is of a generally inverted U-shaped configuration having a domed top edge 116, a straight bottom edge 118 wider than the domed top edge 116 and a pair of integrated flat short legs 120. The dome top edge 116 has curvature of radius around 1 feet. The distance between two legs 120 is at least 1.5-2.5 feet. Each integrated flat short leg 120 extends downwardly from a corner of the straight bottom edge 118 of the flat backing plate 114.

A padded cushion 122 is secured to the flat backing plate 114. When the integrated flat short is 120 make contact with the ground 124, the integrated flat short legs 120 will stabilize the flat backing plate 114 with the padded cushion 122 when placed against an object 126 on the ground 124, thereby allowing the hunter 112 to sit comfortably on the ground 124 against the padded cushion 122.

The rigid material 115 of the flat backing plate 114 and the integrated flat short legs 120 is plastic (or fiberglass) 128. The padded cushion 122 is comprised of a camouflaged, waterproof, scratch resistant cloth covering 130. A cutout handle 132 extends through the padded cushion 122 and the flat backing plate 114 for easy transportation thereof.

An optional pocket 134 is provided in the padded cushion 122, wherein the pocket 134 will hold various articles of the hunter 112 therein. The object 126 is selected from the group consisting of a tree 135, a fence or a rock. The device 110 further comprises an optional inverted V-shaped stand 136 to support the flat backing plate 114 with the padded cushion 122 on the ground 124 when there is no object 126 in sight.

The device 110 can further comprise an optional padded seat member 138 hinged to the integrated flat short legs 120 of the flat backing plate 114. When the padded seat member 138 is pivoted down upon the ground 124 the hunter 112 can sit on the padded seat member 138 and rest against the padded cushion 122. The padded seat member 138 comprises a camouflaged, waterproof, scratch resistant cloth covering 140. The outer surface of device 110 can be digitally imprinted in camouflaged fashion 139.

The portable backrest device 110 is used outdoors to allow the hunter 112 to comfortably lean against the object 126, such as the tree 135. The padded cushion 122 of the device 110 is camouflaged and the flat backing plate 114 is produced from the plastic (or fiberglass) 128. It is thin having the domed top edge 116 and the wider bottom edge 118 with the two integrated flat short legs 120 for stability. The portable backrest device 110 can be produced in two sizes, one that weighs approximately four (04) pounds and another that weighs six (06) pounds. For use, the device 110 is placed against the object 126, such as the tree 135, fence or rock, with the integrated flat short legs 120 resting on the ground 124. The hunter 112 then sits against it in a traditional manner. The device 110 also has the cutout handle 132 that is utilized for easy transportation. The device 110 can be padded with cotton, or another soft material for cushioning. The present invention can be produced in various colors and sizes to accommodate the hunter's preferences. The portable backrest device 110 is weighted about 4-7 lbs. The exact dimensions and materials used for construction, while method of operation of the portable backrest device 110 may vary upon manufacturing.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodiments of a portable backrest device, accordingly it is not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 

1. A portable backrest device used by a hunter for outdoor activities which comprises: a) a flat backing plate fabricated out of a rigid material and being of a generally inverted U-shaped configuration having a domed top edge, a straight bottom edge wider than said domed top edge and a pair of integrated flat short legs, with each said flat short leg extending downwardly from a corner of said straight bottom edge of said flat backing plate; and b) a padded cushion secured to said flat backing plate, wherein when said flat short legs make contact with the ground, said flat short legs will stabilize said flat backing plate with said padded cushion when placed against an object on the ground, thereby allowing the hunter to sit comfortably on the ground against said padded cushion.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said rigid material of said flat backing plate and said flat short legs is plastic.
 3. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said padded cushion comprises a camouflaged, waterproof, scratch resistant cloth covering.
 4. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cutout handle extending through said padded cushion and said flat backing plate for easy transportation thereof.
 5. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising an optional pocket provided in said padded cushion, wherein said pocket will hold various articles of the hunter therein.
 6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the object is selected from the group consisting of a tree, a fence and a rock.
 7. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising an optional inverted V-shaped stand to support said flat backing plate with said padded cushion on the ground when there is no object in sight.
 8. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising an optional padded seat member hinged to said flat short legs of said flat backing plate, whereby when said padded seat member is pivoted down upon the ground the hunter can sit on said padded seat member and rest against said padded cushion.
 9. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein said padded seat member comprises a camouflaged, waterproof, scratch resistant cloth covering.
 10. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein an outer surface can be digitally imprinted in camouflaged fashion.
 11. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the portable backrest device is weighted 4-7 lbs.
 12. The device is recited in claim 1, wherein the distance between two legs 120 is at least 1.5-2.5 feet.
 13. The device is recited in claim 1, wherein the dome top edge has curvature of radius around 1 feet. 